Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Labour Relations Management

Purpose

This postgraduate qualification is designed to provide students with a sound basis of labour relations management theory as well as the application of its principles in the business world.

The degree is a postgraduate specialisation qualification, which prepares students for research-based Postgraduate study at Level 9. This qualification has as purpose the consolidation and deepening of the students' expertise in labour relations management and the development of research capacity in its methodology and techniques. The Postgraduate modules are in line with the development of academic research in the field and also with the increasing demand for quantitative techniques (for analysis) in practice. Students will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be competent and successful in exercising the functions of labour relations practitioners and apply the skills required to analyse, advice and support employers/employees in the work context regarding labour relations related issues.

Rationale

The rationale of this qualification is to develop the student's ability to analyse labour relations issues/aspects, to advice employers and employees in this regard, and to render support where necessary. Students will be able to register with the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP). This qualification will empower students to continue with a Master's Degree in Labour Relations should they adhere to all the relevant admission requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the programme as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into the honours degree studies are

• Bachelor's Degree as approved by Senate.

Or

• Equivalent qualification, as approved by Senate, and should adhere to all the requirements related to majors for the primary part of the proposed BCom Honours Degree, including an average of at least 60% in the final year.

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 8.

Elective Modules, Level 8

• Human Resource Management Strategies, 16 Credits.
• Human Capacity Building, 8 Credits.
• Organisational Development, 8 Credits.
• Work Wellness, 16 Credits.
• Organisational Behaviour, 8 Credits.
• Group Dynamics, 16 Credits.
• Labour Market Principals, 16 Credits.
• Advanced Labour Relations, 16 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
• Industrial Sociological Theories, 8 Credits.
• Collective Bargaining And Negotiation, 16 Credits.
• Applied Labour Relations, 16 Credits.

Compulsory module, Level 8

• Research Project, 30 Credits.

Exit Level Outcomes

• Apply knowledge and skills to assess and predict work-related competencies and skills of existing and prospective labour relations.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills to advise on or supply solutions to problematic labour relations situations in the work context.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills to devise frameworks and systems regarding the maintenance (conditions of service, fringe benefits, legislation related aspects, etc.) of human resources.
• Apply skills in the management of projects in the aforementioned areas.
• Consult relevant literature and undertake empirical research of limited scope, draw valid conclusions and assist in the application thereof.
• Manage the negotiation of labour relations agreements and the settlement of labour related disputes.

Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner to the Exit level Outcomes

• A systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories is achieved.
• Appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information are applied.
• An understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice are critically reflected.
• Professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations are demonstrated.
• The ability to effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology is displayed.
• Effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous formative assessment strategies in the form of assignments, portfolios, tests and so forth are employed, as well as integrated summative assessments in the form of formal examinations and a mini-dissertation, project or report. Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects or seminars in individual as well as group context may also be employed. Students are continuously assessed on the application of integrated knowledge and advanced skills in order to assure that they are competent for the workplace.